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2009 Papapietro Perry Leras Family Vineyards Pinot Noir

Medium ruby color with complex earthy red cherry aromas; rich, deep and complex red cherry and earthy flavors with hints of tea and cola; some tannin and oak with good structure and balance leading to a long finish. Bright, lush, delicious Pinot that is amazing to drink all by itself. Wow, this is really tasty!

In 1980, Ben Papapietro began producing garagista wines and Bruce Perry joined him a few years later. Inspired by a mutual love of classic Burgundies, they produced their first Pinot Noir, securing enough grapes to produce just five gallons of wine. By 1990, Ben and Bruce found consistent vineyard sources for their homemade Pinot Noir and spent the next eight years perfecting their craft.

The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Sonoma County, California. Centered around the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and enlarged in 2005. The area generally lies between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa in the south, and Forestville and Healdsburg in the north. The Russian River Valley has a characteristically cool climate, heavily affected by fog generated by the valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The area is known for its success with cool climate varietals, notably Pinot noir and Chardonnay.